International Relations with Global Development

International Relations with Global Development sits at the crossroads of political science, economics, and development studies, asking how power, poverty, and cooperation shape the world we live in. At its core it examines the relationships between states, international institutions, civil society organisations, and transnational forces, and considers how those relationships either entrench or reduce global inequality. This is a discipline for people who want to understand not just what is happening in the world but why, and what might realistically be done about it.

Studying this subject part-time means you will build your analytical skills alongside other commitments, developing the patience to work through complex problems and the discipline to engage with large bodies of evidence. You will explore theoretical frameworks from realism and liberalism through to postcolonial and feminist critiques of international order, applying them to real-world cases involving aid, conflict, trade, climate policy, and migration. The programme includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to experience another country's educational and political context directly, deepening your comparative understanding of development challenges from a different vantage point.

You will develop strong skills in research, critical analysis, policy evaluation, and written argument. These translate well across a wide range of sectors. Graduates from programmes like this go on to work in international NGOs, government departments, diplomatic services, think tanks, journalism, and the United Nations system, as well as in the private sector in roles that require cross-cultural competence and policy awareness.

Postgraduate study in international development, conflict resolution, human rights law, or global governance is also a natural progression, and the analytical foundations you build on this programme will serve you well in any master's or doctoral research that follows.